Machesney Park committee authorizes bidding for Stones Landing expansion

The Machesney Park Administration Finance Committee voted April 20 to authorize public bidding for the Stones Landing expansion project and recommended the measure to the full village board.

Izzy, a village staff member, described the project during a brief staff report, saying it follows the Machesney Park floodplain recreation and improvement plan approved in April 2019 and a January 2023 professional services agreement with Fairgram. "There will also be an accessible walking path that connects both of these parking areas, as well as a fishing pier and a river overlook," Izzy said. Steph, a village staff member, recommended approval.

The project as described by staff would create an independent vehicle parking lot separate from boat parking and land-loading areas, add an accessible pedestrian connection between those lots, and build a fishing pier and river overlook. Restrooms are being designed and will be permitted separately. Staff said funds are already set aside in the village Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to cover the work and that the village expects to advertise for bids on or about May 1.

Trustee Bailey moved to approve Resolution 25 R 25, and Trustee Vogue seconded. The committee conducted a voice vote; the presiding officer recorded all members in favor and no opposition. The committee's approval is a positive recommendation to the board; the full village board was scheduled to consider the resolution later the same evening.

The meeting otherwise moved quickly: the committee first approved minutes from April 7 and a warrant totaling $329,676.48 before taking up the Stones Landing item. With little discussion recorded on the expansion itself, staff answers provided the primary project details and the scheduling timetable for bids.

Next steps: the resolution will go to the full village board with a positive recommendation, and staff expects to begin advertising for bids around May 1.